EP02 with Ahmed Hassan Kouka & Ally Salama | The Hidden Reality of Being a Footballer

Listen and Donate The EMPWR FUND here to help provide adequate mental health resources for Youth in Egypt - in partnership with El Neya Foundation.-Ahmed Hassan Kouka, known as Kouka or Koka, is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Greek club Olympiacos FC, on loan from S.C. Braga, and the Egypt National Team.-Key Timestamps:[2:00] Kouka talks about his perspective on Mental Health in his life.[4:15] Kouka talks about the misconceptions on Mental Health[6:00] Kouka talks about building support systems[8:00] Kouka talks about receiving advice[9:00] Kouka talks about the true reality of being a footballer[11:00] Ally and Kouka talk about how to support friends, and the importance of showing for friends in your life.[15:00] The importance of setting up a crisis plan for mental health challenges[16:30] Kouka talks on the importance of psychology in sports [17:00] The importance of being around a positive environment & The Humour of Egyptians![20:00] Kouka gives some advice on maintaining great wellbeing and happiness[24:00] Kouka on Mental Illnesses and the stigma around the topic. [26:00] “This isn’t an Egyptian Issue - This is an Epidemic that’s affecting the Arab World”[27:00] Kouka on the importance of celebrities in speaking out on Mental Health. -💭Follow us @asrarelnafs to share your thoughts with us on Instagram.⚡️Join Now the Official Asrar El Nafs WhatsApp Group here!-Quotes by Ahmed Hassan Kouka (in Arabic)

أنا بحاول أشوف كل حاجة بإيجابية، وأبعد عن أي سلبية، لأن لو أنا مش مهيئ نفسي كويس ده حيأثر على شغلي وكل عناصر حياتي، ومحتاج إن الناس كلها تدي اهتمام للموضوع ده، لأنه فعلاً صعب.

معظمنا في مصر أما نشوف إن حد عنده مشكلة، بندعيله، بس أنا شايف إن أهم حاجة إننا نساند بعض.

أكتر حاجة موقفاني على رجلي دعم أهلي وأصحابي، لأن ده اللي بيدفعني لقدام، فاوعى تستهتر بالموضوع ده.

احنا ما نعرفش الناس بتمر بأزمات إيه، وممكن بكلمة منك، حتى لو صغيرة، تهد شخص أو تخليه يقف تاني على رجليه. مهما المشكلة انت شايفها بسيطة، ما تعرفش حجمها عامل ازاي عند الشخص التاني.Show Credits-The Middle East's Celebrity Mental Health Show.Raising Funds for Mental Health in Egypt.Hosted by Ally SalamaPresented by 199X DigitalSupported by Neya Foundation & EMPWR MagSound Design by Tagz Music & Arts Centre.Official Tune by Rafik Gamal-Listen & Donate: linktr.ee/asrarelnafs-© Ally Salama 2020